RFI – Explosive Suppressant Technologies for Emergency Responders

Law Enforcement patrol officers frequently respond to a broad range of threats for which they typically have no opportunity for pre-operation planning. Further, many other groups of ER personnel, to include Emergency Medical Response, typically have even less personal protective equipment when responding to an incident. Meanwhile, explosives remain a serious and credible threat, as exemplified by the recent Boston Marathon bombings.

The US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM), Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), Natick, MA, is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) on Explosive Suppressant Technologies for Emergency Responders (ER). This is a Market Survey, not a Request for Proposal.

The purpose of this RFI is to investigate, identify, and outline existing and emerging technologies designed to provide suppression, deflection, and protection against the ballistic and blast effects of explosive incidents and mitigate collateral injury during ER operations. NSRDEC will document these technology product options collected from the RFI, and other sources, in a Market Survey report to be made available to the ER community for their awareness and consideration.

Responses should include product performance and applicability to responder personnel based upon the proximity to an explosive event. In addition, information pertaining to the product’s ease of use, deployment and mobility for the casual user (i.e. someone who is trained in the use of the equipment, but is not required to use it as part of their primary role or responsibility) as their primary protective equipment or as alternate mitigation measures, is requested.

All interested firms, regardless of size, are encouraged to submit information no later than December 6, 2013. Further details are available under Solicitation Number: W911QY-RFI.